Method for application extension and image display apparatus using same

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method for application extension and to an image display apparatus using same, and more particularly, to a method for application extension wherein an application is executed by using the application data after receiving the same in a device registered in an image display apparatus, and to an image display device using the method.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method for application extension andimage display apparatus using the same, and more particularly to amethod for application extension wherein an application is executed byusing the application data after receiving the same in a deviceregistered in an image display apparatus, and to an image displayapparatus using the method.

BACKGROUND ART

An image display apparatus is a device equipped with a function ofdisplaying images that a user can view. The user can view broadcastingthrough the image display apparatus. The image display apparatusdisplays broadcasting that is selected by the user from the broadcastsignals transmitted out of a broadcast station. Current broadcasting ischanging from analog to digital broadcasting over the world.

The digital broadcasting is broadcasting that transmits digital videoand audio signals. Compared to the analog broadcasting, the digitalbroadcasting has less data loss due to the strength in external noises,has advantages in correcting errors, has high resolution, and providesclear images. In addition, unlike the analog broadcasting, the digitalbroadcast can provide a bi-directional service.

The conventional image display apparatuses are required to install anadditional hardware to use high-capability applications, or as theconventional image display apparatuses can operate the applications onlyif the hardware has the high capability, it has been problematic thatadditional costs and resources for the image display apparatuses areneeded.

For example, if the conventional image display apparatus uses anapplication using Global Positioning System (GPS) information, it isdisadvantageous that additional costs and resources are required becausethe GPS should be additionally inserted in the image display apparatus.

Accordingly, it is highly demanded to develop a method of applicationextension and an image display apparatus using the method so that theproblems of the conventional image display apparatus can be solved andhigh-capability applications can be used without installing additionalhardware.

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

An object of the present invention is to provide a method of applicationextension of an image display apparatus and the image display apparatususing the same without installing additional hardware such thathigh-capability applications can be utilized by solving the problems ofthe conventional image display apparatus.

Also, another object of the present invention is to provide a method ofapplication extension of an image display apparatus and the imagedisplay apparatus using the same such that diverse applications can beutilized and high-cost and high-capability applications can be utilizedin the image display apparatus by installing simple device-linkingapplications in the image display apparatus without installingadditional hardware.

Technical Solution

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method forapplication extension of an image display apparatus comprisesdetermining whether a device registered in an application is detected;if the device is detected, requesting application data to the detecteddevice and receiving the application data; and executing the applicationusing the received application data.

Also, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an imagedisplay apparatus comprises an external device interface unit configuredto determine whether a device registered in an application is detected,if the device is detected, request application data from the detecteddevice, and receive the application data; a control unit configured toexecute the application using the received application data.

Advantageous Effects

The present invention has effect that high-capability applications canbe utilized without being equipped with additional high-capabilityhardware in an image display apparatus.

In addition, the present invention has effect that diverse applicationscan be utilized and high-cost and high-capability applications can beutilized in the image display apparatus by installing simpledevice-linking applications in the image display apparatus withoutinstalling additional hardware.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a drawing of a plausible system for datatransmission/reception with an image display apparatus of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart for receiving application data regarding anapplication from an image display apparatus and executing theapplication according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a drawing for storing device information corresponding toeach application in an image display apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a drawing of an application list displaying whether devicesfor each corresponding application provided by an image displayapparatus are detected;

FIG. 5 shows a drawing of an embodiment of an image display apparatus ofthe present invention receiving application data from a device andexecuting an application;

FIG. 6 shows a drawing of another embodiment in which an image displayapparatus of the present invention receives application data from adevice and executes an application;

FIG. 7 shows a drawing of the configuration of an image displayapparatus and devices according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are a flowchart and a data structure for registeringdevices in correspondence with the applications based on adevice-linking application according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 shows a drawing of a user interface setting linked devices foreach device-linking application according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 shows an internal block diagram of an image display apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows an internal block diagram of a control unit shown in FIG.11;

FIG. 13 shows a flowchart displaying an application execution processincluding an additional step of whether an external device in theflowchart of FIG. 2;

FIG. 14 shows a drawing of an embodiment of an image display apparatusstoring modules required for each application and corresponding deviceinformation;

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a process of data transmission/receptionbetween an image display apparatus and a device according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 shows a drawing of a display screen including a confirm menuusing a device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 17 shows a drawing of a display screen including a connectingdevice request message according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

BEST MODE

In the following, with reference to the drawings, a method ofapplication extension and an image apparatus using the method will befurther described.

In the following description, the ending words for the configuredelements such as “module” and “unit” are simply used for easierexplanation purposes and they themselves do not have special meanings orroles. Thus, the words, “module” and “unit”, can be interchangeablyused.

On the other hand, as an intelligent image display apparatus adding acomputer support function to a broadcast receiving function, the imagedisplay apparatus illustrated in the present invention can be equippedwith more convenient interfaces for use such as a pen-inputting device,touch screen and space remote control by adding an internet functionwhile functioning suitably as a broadcast receiver. And, by wired orwireless internet functions in support, functions such as email,web-browsing, banking and game can be performed. The standard generalpurpose OS can be used for these diverse functions.

That is, as the image display apparatus illustrated in the presentinvention can freely add or delete diverse applications in the generalpurpose OS kernel, diverse user friendly functions can be performed. Forinstance, it can be a smart TV.

FIG. 1 shows a drawing of a plausible device for datatransmission/reception with the image display apparatus of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, an image display apparatus 100 can communicate with abroadcast station 210, a network server 220, or an external device 230.

The image display apparatus 100 can receive broadcast signals includingimage signals transmitted from the broadcast station 210. The imagedisplay apparatus 100 can process the broadcast signals including image,audio, or data signals such that those signals can be adapted to beoutputted from the image display apparatus 100. The image displayapparatus 100 can output image or audio based on the processed imagesignals.

On the other hand, the image display apparatus 100 can communicate withthe network server 220. The network server 220 is a devicetransmitting/receiving the signals of the image display apparatus 100through a certain network. For example, the network server 220 can be acellular phone that can be connected with the image display apparatus100 through a wired or wireless base station. Also, the network server220 can be a device that provides contents to the image displayapparatus 100 through internet network. Contents providers can providecontents to the image display apparatus 100 using a network server.

On the other hand, the image display apparatus 100 can communicate withthe external device 230. The external device 230 is a devicetransmitting/receiving signals directly with the image display apparatusby wire or wirelessly. As an embodiment, the external device 230includes not only media storage devices or play devices but also otherelectronic devices. That is, the external device 230 can be a camera, aDigital Versatile Disc (DVD) or a Blu-ray player, a Personal Computer(PC), a cellular phone, and an air conditioner.

The broadcast station 210, the network server 220, or the externaldevice 230 can transmit to the image display apparatus 100 signalsincluding image signals. The image display apparatus 100 can displayimages based on the image signals included in input signals. Also,signals transmitted from the external device 230 to the image displayapparatus 100 can be transmitted to the broadcast station 210 or thenetwork server 220. That is, the image display apparatus 100 cantransmit and by itself play on the image display apparatus 100 contentsincluded in the signals transmitted from the broadcast station 210, thenetwork server 220, and the external device 230.

In addition, according to the present invention, application datarelated to an application executed in the image display apparatus 100can be transmitted from the external device 230 to the image displayapparatus 100 and the image display apparatus 100 can execute theapplication using the application data.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the process of executing anapplication by receiving application data related to the application inan image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

In FIG. 2, after the application data is requested by a device in theimage display apparatus, the embodiment is illustrated by receiving therequested application data and executing the application.

Then, as the image display apparatus includes all the means that candisplay images, it can be a broadcast receiver, a PC, a mobilecommunications device, a camera, a DVD or a Blu-ray player.

As the device also includes all the means that can transmit applicationdata while networked with the image display apparatus, it can be abroadcast receiver, a PC, a mobile communications device, a camera, aDVD or a Blu-ray player, an air conditioner, and an air purifier.

Referring to FIG. 2, the image display apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention receives an application list commandin the step of S201. Then, according to an embodiment, the applicationlist can be a list of executing applications that are linked withexternal devices. In the drawing, although a list of the applications isshown as an embodiment, the present invention is not limited to only thelist of the applications but can include simple description informationof each application.

In the step of S202, the image display apparatus determines whether adevice registered regarding application categories included in theapplication list is detected.

Then, the image display apparatus can prematurely store deviceinformation corresponding to the application in the storage unit, andafter the device information corresponding to the application in thestorage unit is analyzed, the image display apparatus detects a deviceusing the analyzed device information.

Especially, the image display apparatus can detect devices that canconnect networks by a wired communications method or a Local AreaNetwork (LAN) method. For example, the image display apparatus 100 canconnect networks with other devices based on communication standardssuch as Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared DataAssociation (IrDA), and Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), anddetermines whether a device is detected within the LAN range.

Also, the image display apparatus, if the application selection signalis receive, detects a module required for executing the selectedapplication and if the required module does not exist in the imagedisplay apparatus, the image display apparatus detects a device in whichthe required module exists.

The required module includes at least one of a Global Positioning System(GPS), location information module spotting the present location, cameramodule recording the images of a user and surroundings, a keyboard, akeypad, a mouse, and a user input interface receiving predeterminedsignals from the user.

Also, the image display apparatus displays a predetermined message ifthe device is not detected. That is, although a registered deviceexists, in the case that the registered device does not exist in a statein which the registered device cannot transmit/receive data with thepresent image display apparatus, a device connection request message canbe displayed, and if a registered device does not exist, the devicedisplays a device registration request message requesting that thedevice be registered in the image display apparatus.

In the step of S202, if a registered device related to an application isdetected, in the step of S203, the image display apparatus activates anapplication item corresponding to the registered device in anapplication list so as to be selected, or displays to differentiate theregistered device from other non-detected application categories.

Also, the image display apparatus can output on the display screeninformation about the detected device according to an embodiment.

For example, if a device ‘Dv1’ registered for an application ‘App1’ canconnect networks or is already detected as connected in networks, anapplication ‘App1’ item can be activated or displayed to bedifferentiated from other categories, and according to an embodimentinformation about the device ‘Dv1’ can be displayed on the displayscreen.

With the result of the step of S202, if a registered device related toan application is not detected, the image display apparatus in the stepof S211 deactivates an application item so as not to be selected, ordisplays to differentiate the application item related to the detecteddevice.

In the step of S204, the image display apparatus determines whether anexecution command related to the displayed application item todifferentiate other non-detected device categories is received.

With the result of S204, if the application execution command related tothe detected device application is received, the image display apparatusin the step of S205 requests application data to the detected device.

Then, according to an embodiment, the image display apparatus transmitsa wired or wireless network connection request with the application datarequest to the detected device.

Next, in the step of S206, after the device receives the applicationdata request, in the step of S207, the device sets wired or wirelessnetwork connection with the image display apparatus, and in the step ofS208, the device transmits the application data requested from the imagedisplay apparatus to the image display apparatus.

Then, the image display apparatus can be connected by wired networks orby communications standards such as Bluetooth, RFID, IrDA, UltraWideband (UWB), ZigBee, and DLNA.

Based on necessity, the device can execute an application in order togenerate application data. Then, functions other than the applicationdata generation and transmission can be executed in a multi-task method.

In the step of S209, the image display apparatus receives applicationdata from the device and in the step of S210 the image display apparatusexecutes the application using the received application data.

Then, the application data indicates information used for executing theapplication in the image display apparatus and includes otherinformation related to the application execution.

For example, if the application executed in the image display apparatusis an application using GPS information, the application data receivedfrom the device can be GPS information.

Accordingly, an application ‘App1’ using GPS information is executed inthe image display apparatus, the image display apparatus requests GPSinformation from the device that App1 uses, and after the device isconnected by wired or wireless network, the GPS information can betransmitted to the image display apparatus. The image display apparatusexecutes App1 using the GPS information received from the device.

Also, according to an embodiment, the application data includes UserInterface (UI) information related to the application executed in thedevice.

For example, the image display apparatus can request UI informationrelated to an application ‘App2’ executed in the device, receives fromthe device and outputs UI information related to App2 on the displayscreen.

According to an embodiment, the application data can be information usedfor the application execution of diverse functions such as internetphone service, web album service, Social Networking Service (SNS),Location Base Service (LBS), map service, web search service,application search service, game service, calendar management service,and temperature or humidity information providing service, andinformation generated in the device and used for the applicationexecution of the image display apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a drawing of an embodiment for storing device informationcorresponding to each application in an image display apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the image display apparatus of the presentinvention can store device information 302, 303 corresponding to eachapplication 301. Then, the device information can include a deviceidentifier 302 and network information 303 of the device. The networkinformation 303 of the device can include network address informationused for requesting for application data to the device.

According to an embodiment, a plural number of the device can be set foran application corresponding to each device, and the device identifierand network information can be stored in the device.

For example, a device corresponding to an application ‘App1’ can bestored as ‘Dv1’ and ‘Dv10’, and in the case that the image displayapparatus receives an execution command related to the application‘App1’, after requesting application data related to ‘Dv1’ and ‘Dv10’,the application ‘App1’ is executed using the application data related tothe received ‘App1’.

FIG. 4, according to the present invention, is a drawing of anembodiment displaying an application list displaying whether a device isdetected for each application provided in the image display apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 4, the image display apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention determines whether a deviceregistered for application categories included in an application list400 is detected.

Then, the image display apparatus, as mentioned, can prematurely storedevice information corresponding to an application in a storage unit,and after analyzing the device information corresponding to theapplication in the storage unit, the image display apparatus detects adevice using the detected device information.

If a registered device related to the application is detected, the imagedisplay apparatus activates such that it can select the application itemcorresponding to the registered device in the application list, ordisplay to differentiate other categories in which a registered deviceis not detected.

For example, if a registered device 410 related to ‘App1’ 401 includedin the application list is detected within the wired or wireless networkrange, ‘App1’ item 401 is activated such that it can be selected orother categories 402, 403, 405 not detected within the wired or wirelessnetwork range are displayed such that they can be differentiated.

Also, as well, if a registered device related to ‘App4’ 404 and ‘App6’406 included in the application list is detected, the ‘App4’ item 404and the ‘App6’ item 406 are activated such that they can be selected orthe other application categories 402, 403, 405 where the device is notdetected within the wired or wireless network range are displayed suchthat they can be differentiated.

In addition, according to an embodiment, the other applicationcategories 402, 403, 405 where the registered device 430 within thewired or wireless network range is not detected are deactivated suchthat they cannot be selected or other application categories where aregistered device is not detected are display such that they can bedifferentiated.

FIG. 5 according to the present invention is a drawing of an embodimentfor executing an application by receiving application data from a devicein an image display apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 5, the image display apparatus 501 according to anembodiment of the present invention requests application data to adevice 502, and can execute the application as if drawing arrows 503 areshown by receiving application data from the device 502.

If the device 502 receives an application data request, application datais generated and transmitted to the image display apparatus 501. Then,the device 502, according to an embodiment, can operate an additionalapplication to generate application data.

For example, the image display apparatus 501 requests GPS data to thedevice 502, and executes the application using GPS data as if thedrawing arrows 503 are shown by receiving GPS data from the device 502.

For example, the image display apparatus 501 can display location usingthe GPS data received from the device 502 in order to execute anapplication performing navigation.

If the device 502 receives the GPS data request from the image displayapparatus 501, an application generating GPS data is executed and thegenerated GPS information can be transmitted to the image displayapparatus 501.

FIG. 6 is a drawing of another embodiment for executing an applicationby receiving application data from a device in an image displayapparatus according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, an image display apparatus 601 according to anembodiment of the present invention requests application data to adevice 602, and executes an application as if drawing arrows 603 areshown by receiving the application data from the device 602.

For example, the image display apparatus 601 requests applicationexecution data, and can display as if the drawing arrows 603 are shownby receiving the application execution data from the device 602.

If the device 602 receives the application execution data request fromthe image display apparatus 601, after executing the applicationgenerating the application execution data, the generated applicationexecution data can be transmitted to the image display apparatus 601.

For example, in the case of applications requiring high-performance CPUsor a large memory space function, the image display apparatus 601receives the execution screen (application execution data) of theapplication from the device 602, outputs it on the display screen, andexecutes the application by receiving the user input from the imagedisplay apparatus 601.

Then, the device 602 can be equipped with an additional application inorder to transmit the execution screen of the application to the imagedisplay apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a drawing of an image display apparatus and a configuration ofthe device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, an image display apparatus 700 requests applicationdata to a device and an application 1 701 operated by using applicationdata received from the device and can be equipped with a device linkedapplication 1 702 to receive application data.

Also, a device 710 receives an application data request from the imagedisplay apparatus 700 and can be equipped with an application 2 704 togenerate application data and a device linked application 2 703 totransmit application data.

Also, according to an embodiment, each application can be equipped withthe device-linked applications individually. For example, theapplication 1 701 comprises the device-linked application 1 702, and theapplication 2 704 can comprise the device-linked application 2 703.

Accordingly, although the present invention is not equipped with theapplication 2 704 in the image display apparatus 700, as applicationdata related to the application 2 704 can be obtained in the imagedisplay apparatus 700 and operate the application 1 701, there is aneffect such that high-spec application can be utilized withoutinstalling additional hardware in the image display apparatus 700.

That is, it is effective that the present invention only installs simpledevice-linked application in the image display apparatus such thathigh-spec and high-performance applications can be utilized in the imagedisplay apparatus without installing additional hardware and diverseapplications can be utilized.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are drawings of a process in which according to anembodiment of the present invention based on the device-linkingapplication, a device in correspondence with the application isregistered.

Referring to FIG. 8, in the step of S801, the device transmits a devicedetection request to the image display apparatus. An embodiment of thedevice detection request can be as if a drawing diagram 901 is shown inFIG. 9. The device detection request can comprise a device identifier(UID), application detection request (SID0), and device IP portinformation.

In the step of S802, the image display apparatus responds to the devicedetection request and transmits network information. The response of theimage display apparatus transmitting the network information can be asif drawing arrows 902 are shown in FIG. 9. The response of the imagedisplay apparatus transmitting the network information comprises serverIP port information of the image display apparatus, device IP portinformation, image display apparatus identifier (UID), and applicationsearch response (SID(1)).

In the step of S803, after the image display apparatus receives thenetwork information, a device registration request is transmitted to theimage display apparatus. An embodiment of the device registrationrequest can be as if drawing arrows 903 are shown in FIG. 9. The deviceregistration request can comprise server IP port information of theimage display apparatus, device identifier (UID), registration requestinformation (SID(2)), application request information (SID1 . . . SIDN),device authentication information to authenticate the device.

If the device registration request is received, in the step of S804 theimage display apparatus determines whether the device is a registereddevice or not. With the result of the determination in the step of S804,if the device is not a registered device, according to a deviceregistration request in the step of S805, the device information of thedevice that corresponds to the application is stored.

Then, the image display apparatus outputs on the display screen whetherthe device is to be registered, temporarily registered, or not to beregistered, and if a user selects to register or temporarily register,the device information can be stored in the application informationcorresponding to the device information. Also, according to anembodiment, only if the user correctly inputs the device authenticationinformation by devices such as a remote control device, the deviceinformation corresponding to the application information can be set tobe stored.

Especially, according to an embodiment, if the user selects to register,the device identifier (UID) and application request information (SID1 .. . SIDN) are registered such that the application data can becontinuously transmitted without the registered device identifier andthe application request information although the network information ofthe device (e.g., IP address) is changed.

In the step of S805, if the device registration is completed, the imagedisplay apparatus in the step of S806 transmits a response of theregistration completion to the device and requests application data.Registration completion response can be as if drawing arrows 904 areshown in FIG. 9. The registration completion response can comprisedevice IP port information, image display apparatus identifier (UID),registration response information (SID(3)), and application requestinformation (SID1 . . . SIDN).

In the step of S807, the device transmits application data, and in thestep of S808, the image display apparatus executes the application usingthe application data, as illustrated. An application transmission formatcomprises image display apparatus IP port information, device identifier(UID), and application data (SID(4)).

Although FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrated a case in which the image displayapparatus operates as a server, the device can be obviously adopted to acase in which the device operates as a server.

FIG. 10 is a drawing of a user interface setting a device to link anapplication in an image display apparatus according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, the image display apparatus can let the userselect a device that links an application. For example, ‘APP1’ 1001 isselected, it can be displayed to a linking device 1002 that devices1003, 1004, 1005 detected by wired or wireless network can be selected.If one or more of the devices 1003, 1004, 1005 are selected, the deviceor devices can be registered in correspondence with the applicationsthrough the FIG. 8 process.

Then, the device-linking application 1 to be installed in the imagedisplay apparatus and the device-linking application 2 to be installedin the device can be installed by a network received from an externalserver and the device-linking application 1 can be prematurely installedin the image display apparatus and the device-linking application 2 tobe installed in the device can be transmitted from the image displayapparatus to the device.

Also, according to an embodiment, in the case that the device detection1006 is selected, device information corresponding to the applicationcan be stored by additional detection.

FIG. 11 is an internal block diagram of an image display apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11, the image display apparatus 100 according to anembodiment of the present invention comprises a broadcast receiving unit105, an external device interface unit 135, a storage unit 140, a userinput interface unit 150, a control unit 170, a display unit 180, anaudio output unit 185 and a power supply unit 190. The broadcastreceiving unit 105 can comprise a tuner 110, a demodulating unit 120 anda network interface unit 130. Amongst them, the broadcast receiving unit105 can selectively comprise the tuner 110 and the demodulating unit orthe network interface unit 130.

The tuner 110 selects a channel chosen by the user among RF (RadioFrequency) broadcast signals received via antenna or an RF broadcastsignal included in all predetermined channels. Also, the selected RFbroadcast signal is converted to a middle frequency signal, base bandimage or audio signal.

For example, the selected RF broadcast signal, if it is a digitalbroadcast signal, is converted to digital IF signal (DIF), and if it isan analog broadcast signal, the selected RF broadcast signal isconverted to an analog base band video or audio signal (CVBS/SIF). Thatis, the tuner 110 can process digital broadcast or analog broadcastsignals. The analog based band video or audio signal (CVBS/SIF)outputted from the tuner 110 can be directly inputted from the controlunit 170.

Also, the tuner 110 can receive RF broadcast signals of a singularcarrier based on ATSC (Advanced Television System Committee) and RFbroadcast signals of a plural carrier based on DVB (digital VideoBroadcasting).

On the other hand, the tuner 110 selects in sequence RF broadcastsignals of all broadcast channels stored by channel memory functionamong RF broadcast signals received through antenna and converts thesignals to middle frequency signals or base band video or audio signals.

The demodulation unit 120 receives and demodulates digital IF signals(DIF) converted in the tuner 110.

For example, in the case that the digital IF signal outputted from thetuner 110 is the ATSC type, the demodulating unit 120 performs 8-VSB(8-Vestigal Side Band). Also, the demodulating unit 120 can performchannel decoding. For that, the demodulation unit 120 is equipped with aTrellis Decoder, De-interleaver, and Reed Solomon Decoder, and canperform Trellis decoding, deinterleaving, and Reed-solomon decoding.

For example, in the case that the digital IF signal outputted from thetuner 110 is the DVB type, the demodulating unit 120 demodulates COFDMA(Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Modulation). Also, the demodulatingunit 120 can perform channel decoding. For that, the demodulating unit120 is equipped with a convolution decoder, deinterleaver, andreed-solomon decoder, and can perform convolution decoding,deinterleaving, and reed-solomon decoding.

The demodulating unit 120 can output stream signals (TS) afterdemodulating and channel decoding. Then, the stream signal can be avideo signal, audio signal or multiplexed data signal. As an embodiment,the stream signal can be a Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG)-2 TS(Transport Stream) multiplexed with MPEG-2 standard video signals andDolby AC-3 standard audio signals. In more details, the MPEG-2 TS caninclude a 4-byte header and 184-byte payload.

On the other hand, the aforementioned demodulating unit 120 can beequipped with the ATSC method and DVB method individually. That is, theATSC demodulation unit and DVB demodulation unit can be equipped.

The stream signal outputted from the demodulating unit 120 can becontrolled by the control unit 170. After de-multiplexing and processingaudio and video signals, the control unit 170 outputs video on thedisplay unit 180 and outputs audio in the audio output unit 185.

The external device interface unit 135 can connect an external deviceand the image display apparatus 100. For that, the external deviceinterface unit 135 can include an A/V input/output unit (not shown) orwireless communications unit (not shown).

The external device interface unit 135 connect external devices such asDVD (Digital Versatile Disk), Blu ray, game console, camera, camcorder,computer(laptop) by wired or wirelessly. The external device interface135 transmits video, audio or data signals inputted by the connectedexternal device to the control unit 170 of the image display apparatus100. Also, video, audio or data signals processed from the control unit170 can be outputted to the connected external device. For that, theexternal device interface unit 135 can include an A/V input/output unit(not shown) or wireless communications unit (not shown).

The A/V input/output unit comprises a USB port, a CVBS (Composite VideoBanking Sync) port, a component port, an S-video port (analog), a DVI(Digital Visual Interface) port, a HDMI (High Definition MultimediaInterface) port, an RGB port, and a D-SUB port such that video and audiosignals of the external device can be inputted to the image displayapparatus 100.

The wireless communications unit can perform LAN with other externaldevices. The image display apparatus 100 can network with other devicesbased on communications standards such as Bluetooth, RFID (RadioFrequency Identification), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), UWB (UltraWideband), Zigbee, and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance).

Also, the external device interface unit 135 can be connected withdiverse set-top boxes and at least one of the aforementioned ports andperform inputting and outputting with a set-top box.

On the other hand, the external device interface unit 135 can receiveapplication data in the nearby external device and transmit it to thecontrol unit 170 or the storage unit 140.

Also, the external device interface unit 135 determines whether a deviceregistered in an application is detected, and if the device is detected,the detected device requests application data and receives theapplication data.

Then, the control unit 170 executes the application using the receivedapplication data. As mentioned, the application data can includeexecution information of the application or user interface informationabout the execution of the application.

Also, the external device interface unit 135, if an applicationselection signal is received through the user input interface unit 150,detects a module required for executing the selected application, and ifthe required module does not exist in the image display apparatus, itdetects a registered device in which the required module exists.

As mentioned in FIG. 2, the required module includes at least one of alocation information module, camera module, or user interface module.

Also, the external device interface unit 135, if the device is detected,requests application data to the detected device and receives theapplication data if the device is detected and only in the case that aconfirmation signal about whether the detected device is to be connectedis received through the user input interface unit 150.

Then, the control unit 170, if the device is not detected by theexternal device interface unit 135, can control such that at least oneof a device connection request message or device registration requestmessage can be displayed.

The display unit 180 can output information about the detected device.

Also, the storage unit 140 registers and stores device information incorrespondence with the application.

Then, the control unit 170 outputs an application list including theapplication items on a display screen, and if a device registered in theapplication is detected, displays the application item such that theapplication item in which the device registered in the application isdetected can be differentiated or activated to be selected.

Also, the control unit 170 outputs the application list including theapplication items on the display screen, and, if a device registered inthe application is detected, displays the application item such that theapplication item in which the device registered in the application listis detected can be differentiated or activated to be selected.

Then, the external device interface unit 135 requests the applicationdata to a device registered in the application selected in theapplication item and receives the application data.

Also, the external device interface unit 135, if an execution commandabout the application is selected, determines whether a deviceregistered in the application is detected.

Also, the external device interface unit 135, if the device is detected,sets the detected device with wired or wireless network and can receivethe application data through the pre-set network. For this, the networkcan include LAN.

The network interface unit 130 provides an interface to connectwired/wireless network including internet network. The network interfaceunit 130 can be equipped with an Ethernet port for the wired networkconnection and with an WLAN (Wireless LAN) (Wi-Fi), Wibro (Wiressbroadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), andHSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) for the wireless networkconnection.

The network interface 130 can connect a webpage through network. Thatis, by connecting the webpage through network, data can be transmittedor received with the corresponding server. Besides that, data orcontents provided by a contents provider or network manager can bereceived. That is, through network, movies, commercials, games, VODs,broadcast signals and information about those contents provided by thecontents provider or the network provider can be received. Also, updateinformation about firm ware provided by the network manager and updatefiles can be received. Also, data can be transmitted to the internet orcontents providers or network managers.

Also, the network interface unit 130 selects and receives an applicationamong applications open in public through network.

The storage unit 140 stores a program for controlling and processing oneor more signals in the control unit 170.

Also, the storage unit 140 can perform a temporary storage function forvideo, audio or data signals inputted from the network interface unit130.

Also, the storage unit 140 can store an application inputted from theexternal device interface unit 135 or network interface unit 130.

The storage unit 140 can comprise at least one of storing devices suchas a flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type,memory of card types (for example, SD or XD memory), Random AccessMemory (RAM), and Read Only Memory (ROM) (EEPROM). The image displayapparatus 100 plays contents files stored in the storage unit 140 (videofiles, snapshots files, music files, documents files and applicationfiles) and provide users with them.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment in which the storage unit 140 and thecontrol unit 170 are separately equipped but the scope of the presentinvention is not limited to such scope. The storage unit 140 may beincluded in the control unit 170.

The user input interface unit 150 transmits a signal inputted by theuser to the control unit 170 or transmits a signal from the control unit170 to the user.

For example, the user input interface unit 150 receives and processesuser input signals or control signals of Power On/Off, channelselection, screen setting, etc. from the remote control device 200 basedon diverse communications methods such as RF (Radio Frequency)communications and IR communications methods, or processes such thatcontrol signals from the control unit 170 is transmitted to the remotecontrol device 200.

Also, for example, the user input interface unit 150 can transmit userinput signals or control signals inputted in local keys (not shown) suchas the power key, channel key, volume key, and settings key to thecontrol unit 170.

Also, for example, the user input interface unit 150 transmits userinput signals or control signals inputted from a sensing unit (notshown) sensing gestures of a user to the control unit 170 or transmitssignals from the control unit 170 to the sensing unit (not shown). Here,the sensing unit (not shown) can comprise a touch sensor, audio sensor,location sensor, and movement sensor.

The control unit 170 de-multiplexes streams inputted through the tuner110, the demodulating unit 120, or the external device interface 135,processes the de-multiplexed signals, and generates and outputs signalsfor video and audio outputs.

Video signals image-processed in the control unit 170 are inputted tothe display unit 180 and may be displayed in video in correspondencewith the video signals. Also, the video signals image-processed in thecontrol unit 170 may be inputted to an external input device through theexternal device interface unit 135.

Audio signals processed in the control unit 170 may be outputted inaudio to the audio output unit 185. Also, the audio signals processed inthe control unit 170 are inputted to an external device through theexternal device interface unit 135.

Although not shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 170 can comprise ade-multiplexer unit and image processing unit. With regard to that, itwill be illustrated below in reference with FIG. 12.

Besides that, the control unit 170 can control regular operations in theimage display apparatus 100. For example, the control unit 170 controlsthe tuner 110 and controls such that channels selected by the user or RFbroadcast corresponding to predetermined channels can be selected fortuning.

Also, the control unit 170 can control user commands inputted throughthe user input interface unit 150 or the image display apparatus by anexternal program. Especially, by connecting network, an application thatthe user desires or an application category can be downloaded in theimage display apparatus 100.

For example, the control unit 170 controls the tuner 110 such thatsignals of the selected channel can be inputted through the user inputinterface unit 150 based on a received channel selection command. And,video, audio, or data signals of the selected channel are processed. Thecontrol unit 170 can output channel information selected by the userwith the processed audio or video signals to the display unit 180 or theaudio output unit 185.

As another embodiment, the control unit 170, based on external deviceimage play commands, outputs video or audio signals, inputted fromthrough the external device interface unit 135, of external devices suchas a camera and camcorder to the display unit 180 or the audio outputunit 185.

On the other hand, the control unit 170 can control the display unit 180such that images are displayed. For example, it controls such thatbroadcast images inputted through the tuner 110, external input videoinputted through the external device interface unit 135, video inputtedthrough the network interface unit, or video stored in the storage unit140 are displayed on the display unit 180. Then, video displayed on thedisplay unit 180 can be snapshot images, motion pictures, 2-Dimensional(2D) images or 3-Dimensional (3D) images.

On the other hand, the control unit 170 can control such thatdownloadable applications from network inside or outside the imagedisplay apparatus 100 or application items are displayed.

The control unit 170, along with diverse user interfaces, can controlsuch that downloadable applications from external network can beinstalled and operated. Also, by the user's selection, images related tothe executed application can be controlled to be displayed in thedisplay unit 180.

On the other hand, although not shown in the drawing, a channel browsingprocessor unit generating thumbnail images corresponding to channelsignals or external input signals can be further equipped. The channelbrowsing processor unit receives stream signals outputted from thedemodulation unit 120 or the external interface unit 135, and cangenerate the thumbnail images extracted from the inputted streamsignals. The generated thumbnail images can be inputted directly orencoded to the control unit 170. Also, the generated thumbnail imagescan be inputted encoded as a stream type to the control unit 170. Thecontrol unit 170 can display a thumbnail list with which a plurality ofthumbnail images is equipped. On the other hand, thumbnail images insuch thumbnail list can be simultaneously or in order. Accordingly, theuser can easily find out the contents of a plurality of broadcastchannels.

The display unit 180 converts video signals, data signals, On ScreenDisplay (OSD) signals processed in the control unit 170 or videosignals, data signals received in the external device interface unit 135into R, G, B signals and generates driving signals.

The display unit 180 can be Plasma Display Panel (PDP), Liquid CrystalDisplay (LCD), Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED), Flexible Display,and 3D display.

On the other hand, the display unit 180 can comprise a touch screen andbe utilized as an input device in addition to an output device.

The audio output unit 185 receives speech processed signals such asstereo signals, 3.1 channel signals, or 5.1 channel signals from thecontrol unit 170 and outputs them in audio. The audio output unit 185can be realized as diverse types of speakers.

On the other hand, a camera unit (not shown) that records the user canbe additionally equipped. Although the camera unit (not shown) can berealized with one camera, it is not limited to that and a plurality ofcameras can be realized. Recorded images information in the camera unitis to be inputted in the control unit 170.

On the other hand, in order to sense a user's gestures, as mentioned, asensing unit (not shown) having at least one of a touch sensor, audiosensor, location sensor, and movement sensor can be additionallyequipped with the image display apparatus. The sensed signals in thesensing unit can be transmitted to the control unit 170 through the userinput interface unit 150.

The control unit 170 can sense the user's gestures with the recordedimages from the camera unit (not shown) or sensed signals in the sensingunit or both combined.

The power supply unit 190 supplies power corresponding to all parts ofthe image display apparatus 100. Especially, power can be supplied tothe control unit 170 which can be realized as System on Chip (SOC), thedisplay unit 180 for the image display, and the audio output unit 185for the audio output.

For that, the power supply unit 190 can be equipped with a converter(not shown) converting alternative power to direct power. On the otherhand, for example, if the display unit 180 is realized as a LiquidCrystal Panel having a plurality of backlight lamps, for drivingluminescent variables or dimming, an inverter (not shown) that canperform the PWM operation can be additionally equipped.

The remote control device 200 transmits user inputs to the user inputinterface unit 150. For that, the remote control device 200 can useBluetooth, RF (Radio Frequency) communications, IR communications, UWB(Ultra Wideband), and ZigBee method.

Also, the remote control device 200 receives video, audio, or datasignals outputted in the user input interface unit 150 and displays inthe remote control device 200 or outputs in audio or vibration.

The aforementioned image display apparatus 100 may be a digitalbroadcast receiver receiving at least one of digital broadcasts of ATSCtype (8-VSB type), DVB-T type (COFDM type), and ISDB-T type (BST-OFDMtype).

On the other hand, the image display apparatus illustrated in thespecification is an image display apparatus without the display unit 180and audio output unit 185 illustrated in FIG. 11 and can be a wirelesstype transmitting/receiving data with the display unit 180 and audiooutput unit 185 through wireless communications.

On the other hand, the block diagram of the image display apparatus 100illustrated in FIG. 11 is a block diagram for an embodiment of thepresent invention. Based on the specifications of the image displayapparatus 100 that is actually realized, each component of the blockdiagram may be combined, added, or deleted. That is, based on thenecessity, more than two components can be combined as one element, orone component can be split into more than two components. Also,functions for each block are to explain the embodiment of the presentinvention and each specific operation or device do not limit theauthority of the present invention.

On the other hand, the image display apparatus 100, unlike how it isillustrated in FIG. 11, does not have the tuner 110 and the demodulationunit 120, but receives video contents through the network interface unit130 or external device interface unit 135, and play them.

FIG. 12 is an internal block diagram of the control unit of FIG. 11.

Referring to the drawing, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, the control unit 170 may comprise a demultiplexer unit 310,image processor unit 320, OSD generator unit 340, mixer 350, frame rateconverter 355, and formatter 360. Besides these, a speech processor (notshown) and data processor (not shown) may be further comprised.

The demultiplexer unit 310 demutiplexes inputted streams. For example,in the case of MPEG-2 TS being inputted, it is demultiplexed and splitin video, audio, data signals. Here, the stream signals inputted in thedemultiplexer 310 can be stream signals outputted in the tuner 110,demodulation unit 120, or external device interface unit 135.

The image processor 320 can image-process the demultiplexed videosignals. For that, the image processor 320 can be equipped with an imagedecoder 325 and scaler 335.

The image decoder 325 decodes the demultiplexed video signals and thescaler 335 performs scaling such that the resolution of the decodedvideo signals can be outputted in the display unit 180.

The image decoder 325 can be equipped with diverse standards of decoder.

For example, if the demultiplexed video signals are the encoded videosignals of the MPEG-2 standard, they can be decoded by the MPEG-2decoder.

Also, for example, if the demultiplexed video signals are the encodedvideo signals of the DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) method orH.264 standards based on DVB-H, they can be encoded by the H.264decoder.

On the other hand, video signals decoded in the image processor 320 areinputted in the mixer 350.

The OSD generator unit 340 generates OSD signals by itself or based onuser's inputs. For example, based on the user input signals or controlsignals, signals for displaying many pieces of information in graphicsor texts on a display unit 180 screen can be generated. The generatedOSD signals can comprise diverse data such as a user interface screen ofthe image display apparatus 100, diverse menu screens, widgets, andicons.

For example, the OSD generator unit 340 can generate signals fordisplaying subtitles of broadcast video or broadcast information basedon EPG.

The mixer 350 can mix the OSD signals generated in the OSD generatorunit 340 and the decoded video signals that are image-processed in theimage processor unit 220. The mixed signals are provided to a formatter350. As the decoded broadcast video signals or external input signalsand OSD signals are mixed, the OSD in the broadcast video or externalinput video is overlaid and can be displayed.

The frame rate converter (FRC) 355 can convert the frame rate of theinput video. For example, the frame rate of 60 Hz is converted to 120 Hzor 240 Hz. If the frame rate of 60 Hz is converted to 120 Hz, a samefirst frame can be inserted between the first and a second frames, or athird frame predicted from the first and second frames can be inserted.If the frame rate of 60 Hz is converted to 240 Hz, three of the sameframe can be inserted or three of the predicted frame can be inserted.On the other hand, a frame rate with no additional converted input canbe maintained.

The formatter 360 receives output signals of the frame rate converterunit 355, changes and outputs the format of the signals such that thesignals can be adoptive to the display unit 180. For example, R, G, Bdata signals can be outputted and such R, G, B data signals can beoutputted as Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) or mini-LVDS.

On the other hand, the speech processor unit (not shown) in the controlunit 170 can perform speech processing for the demultiplexed audiosignals. For that, the speech processor unit (not shown) can be equippedwith diverse decoders.

The speech processor unit (not shown) inside of the control unit 170 candecode the signals if the demultiplexed audio signals are encoded audiosignals. For example, the demultiplexed audio signals can be decoded byan MPEG-2 decoder, an MPEG 4 decoder, an AAC decoder, or an AC-3decoder.

Also, the speech processor unit (not shown) inside of the control unit170 can perform base, treble, and volume adjusting.

The data processor unit (not shown) inside of the control unit 170 canperform data processing for the demultiplexed data signals. For example,in the case that the demultiplexed data signals are encoded signals,they can be decoded. The encoded data signals can be EPG (ElectronicProgram Guide) information including the starting and ending times ofbroadcast programs aired on each channel. For example, the EPGinformation, in the case that it is the ATSC type, can be ATSC-PSIP(ATSC-Program and System Information Protocol) information and in thecase that it is the DVB type, it can include DVB-SI (DVB-ServiceInformation) information. The ATSC-PSIP information or DVB-SIinformation can be information included in the aforementioned stream,that is, MPEG-2 TS header (4 byte).

On the other hand, the block diagram of the control unit 170 shown inFIG. 12 is a block diagram for an embodiment of the present invention.Each component of the block diagram can be combined, added, or deleteddepending on the specs of the control unit to be actually realized.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an application execution process including astep of selecting an option of whether an external device is to be usedin the flowchart of FIG. 2.

According to an embodiment, the image display apparatus, if theapplication item output command (S201) is received, can receive aselection signal about whether an external device is to be used toexecute the application. (S2021).

That is, according to the present invention, to execute an applicationusing a specific module not equipped in the image display apparatus, theimage display apparatus can transmit/receive data to execute theapplication with one or more devices but the user may not want totransmit/receive the data for the purposes of network connection charge,security data leakage, or device battery dissipation.

Accordingly, the image display apparatus displays a menu beforedetecting a device required for the application execution, and receivesfrom the user a selection signal about whether an external device is tobe used to execute the application in the image display apparatus. Themenu will be further illustrated in FIG. 16 in the following.

Accordingly, in the case that a selection signal for using the device isinputted from the user, the image display apparatus can detect a device.S202. Meanwhile, in the case that a selection signal for not using thedevice is inputted from the user, the image display apparatus candeactivate application items required for connecting external devices.S2022.

That is, through the aforementioned step, the user can prevent datatransmission/reception for detecting external devices in the imagedisplay apparatus if not desired.

FIG. 14 is a drawing of an embodiment for storing required modules andcorresponding device information for each application in the imagedisplay apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14, the image display apparatus can store information1102 of a device equipped with the required module and information 1102about the required module corresponding to each application 1101 in theimage display apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. Then, the required module information 1102 as informationabout the demanded module to execute the application may include alocation information module, camera module, and keyboard moduleincluding GPS (Global Positioning System). Also, the device information1103 may include device names for each required module. Also, with thedevice names, the image display apparatus can include network addressinformation that can be used for requesting application data to thedevice from the image display apparatus.

According to an embodiment, a number of required modules and devicescorresponding to one application can be set plural and store deviceidentifiers for each and network information.

For example, a required module corresponding to the application ‘App 1’is a GPS module, a device equipped with the GPS module is ‘Dv1’ and‘Dv10’, and in the case that an execution command about the application‘App1’ is received, the image display apparatus can execute theapplication ‘App1’ using application data about the received ‘App1’after requesting application data about ‘Dv1’ and ‘Dv10’.

FIG. 15 is a drawing of an embodiment in which datatransmission/reception is processed between the image display apparatusand device according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 15, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the image displayapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention requestsapplication data to a device 1402 and executes the application from thedevice 1402 by receiving the application data.

That is, as shown in FIG. 15, the image display apparatus 1401 candisplay the location by using the received GPS data from the device 1402in order to execute an application that performs navigation.

In that case, the image display apparatus 1401 displays executing screenof the application on the display screen and the device 1402 can displaya message that the current GPS module is being used to execute theapplication of the image display apparatus.

Accordingly, in the case that a specific module of the device is beingused by executing an application in the image display apparatus, theuser can sense that the specific module is being used and preventactions that can affect the application execution such as turning of thedevice 1402 for not sensing the actions.

FIG. 16 is a drawing of a display screen 1200 including a confirmationmenu for using the device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

According to an embodiment, the image display apparatus can display aselection menu 1201 receiving from the user a selection signal aboutwhether an external device is to be connected to execute the applicationin the image display apparatus.

The selection menu 1201 can include an information message 1202,confirmation menu item 1203, and cancellation menu item 1204.

The information message 1202 can include information to help the userselect. That is, it can include information about modules equipped inthe image display apparatus, information about required modules toexecute applications, and images or texts information about applicationsthat specific modules demand.

Also, by inputting a selection signal of the confirmation menu item1203, functions for device detection can be performed and by inputting aselection signal of the cancellation menu item 1204, the application canbe performed only with modules equipped in the image display apparatus.

FIG. 17 is a drawing of a display screen 300 including the deviceconnection request message according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

According to an embodiment, an execution command of a specificapplication is received from the user, and in the case that a specificmodule for the execution of the specific application is not equipped inthe image display apparatus, the image display apparatus can display thedevice connection request message 1301.

Also, according to another embodiment, the request message 1301 can bedisplayed in the case that connection between the image displayapparatus and the specific device is malfunctioned while the imagedisplay apparatus is executing the specific application bytransmitting/receiving data with the specific application.

The request message 1301 may include information about an executingapplication, information about a module required for the application,and texts or images information about a device having the requiredmodule.

Also, the request message can be automatically deleted when the deviceand the image display apparatus are connected.

As mentioned above, although the present invention is illustrated withlimited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not onlylimited to the embodiments and people ordinarily skilled in the art maymodify and vary the limits of the present invention. Accordingly, thespirit of the present invention shall be analyzed within the scope ofthe appended claims, and it is intended that the present inventioncovers the modifications and variations of this invention provided theycome within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

MODE FOR INVENTION

It is illustrated in the aforementioned “Best Mode”.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As mentioned above, since the embodiments of the present invention canbe applied to display apparatuses, TVs,

broadcast networks, and broadcast systems, its industrial applicabilityis acknowledged.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of processing an application in animage display apparatus, the method comprising: displaying anapplication list on a display screen, the application list containingicon data representing each application and device data identifying eachexternal device linked to said each application; receiving a firstsignal for selecting an application, which is executable using firstapplication data from the displayed application list; detecting one ormore external devices based on the device data included in theapplication list; transmitting a second signal for controlling a camerasensor of a corresponding external device in response to the firstsignal to collect the first application data and requesting the firstapplication data acquired from the controlled camera sensor of thedetected external device in response to the first signal; receiving thefirst application data from the detected external device in response tothe second signal; and executing the selected application based on thereceived first application data and second application data, the secondapplication data being stored in a memory of the image displayapparatus, wherein the device data for the detected one or more externaldevices and the icon data linked to the device data are activated in thedisplayed application list.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: detecting a module for executing the application in theimage display apparatus in response to the received first signal in theimage display apparatus.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the secondsignal further includes a device connection request message, and themethod further comprises receiving a confirmation signal on beingconnected to the image display apparatus from the external device amongthe detected one or more external devices in response to the deviceconnection request message include in the second signal.
 4. The methodof claim 1, wherein the first application data comprises executioninformation, which is collected in a module of the detected one or moreexternal devices, related for executing the application in the imagedisplay apparatus.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: storingthe device data on one or more external devices which comprise a modulecollecting the first application data for the application.
 6. The methodof claim 1, wherein the detected one or more external devices comprise amobile terminal, a broadcast receiver, a personal computer (PC) and anair conditioner.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first applicationdata is received from at least two detected external devices.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: setting the detected one or moreexternal devices with a wired or wireless network connection, whereinthe first application data is received through the set networkconnection, and wherein the network comprises a Local Area Network(LAN).
 9. An image display apparatus comprising: a display unitconfigured to display an application list on a display screen, theapplication list containing icon data representing each application anddevice data identifying an external device linked to said eachapplication; an interface unit configured to receive a first signal forselecting an application, which is executable using first applicationdata from; an external device interface unit configured to transmit asecond signal for controlling a camera sensor of a correspondingexternal device and requesting first application data acquired from thecontrolled camera sensor of the corresponding external device inresponse to the first signal, and to receive the first application datafrom the corresponding external device in response to the second signal;a memory configured to store second application data for theapplication; and a control unit configured to detect the one or moreexternal devices based on the device data including in the applicationlist and to execute the selected application based on the received firstapplication data and the stored second application data, wherein thedevice data for the detected one or more external devices and the icondata linked to the device data are activated in the displayedapplication list.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the control unitdetects a module for executing the application in the image displayapparatus in response to the received first signal.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the external device interface unit transmits thesecond signal including a device connection request message to thedetected one or more devices, and receives a confirmation signal onbeing connected to the image display apparatus from the external deviceamong the detected one or more external devices in response to thedevice connection request message including the second signal.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 9, further comprising: the display unit furtherconfigured to output a user interface (UI); and the storage unit furtherconfigured to store the device data.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9,wherein the detected one or more external devices comprise a mobileterminal, a broadcast receiver, a personal computer (PC) and an airconditioner.
 14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first applicationdata is received from the detected at least two external devices. 15.The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the external device interface unitsets wired or wireless network connection with the detected one or moreexternal devices, and receives the first application data through theset network connection, and wherein the network comprises a Local AreaNetwork (LAN).